New era in UI as Olapegba emerges 14th Vice-Chancellor

Nigeria’s premier university, the University of Ibadan (UI), is set to begin a new chapter in its 77-year history following the emergence of Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba as its 14th substantive Vice-Chancellor.

His appointment marks the culmination of a painstaking selection process designed to identify a leader capable of steering the country’s oldest university through an increasingly competitive global higher education landscape while preserving its long-standing tradition of academic excellence.

Announced on Wednesday by the Chairman of the University’s Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor, Chief Adebisi Akande, the appointment signals the institution’s confidence in Olapegba’s academic pedigree, administrative experience and vision for the future.

A transparent search for the next leader

The journey to selecting the University’s next Vice-Chancellor began in April 2026 when the Governing Council invited applications through nationwide advertisements.

While six distinguished scholars responded, the council sought to broaden the talent pool by establishing a special search team tasked with identifying additional eminent academics who possessed the requisite qualifications but had not formally applied.

The initiative added two more candidates, bringing the total number of contenders to eight.

The applicants were subjected to an extensive assessment process, including independent evaluations and merit-based scoring conducted on July 21. Following the exercise, the five highest-scoring candidates advanced to the final stage, where they faced a Joint Council-Senate Selection Board for comprehensive interviews.

At the conclusion of the process, Professor Olapegba emerged as the preferred candidate, receiving the unanimous endorsement of the Governing Council.

Chief Akande described the exercise as one guided by transparency, merit and fairness, saying the council was satisfied that the best candidate had emerged.

An administrator with proven experience

Professor Olapegba is no stranger to the administration of the University of Ibadan.

A renowned scholar in the Department of Psychology, he currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), a position that has placed him at the centre of policy implementation, institutional planning and university governance.

His years of service have earned him a reputation as an accomplished academic administrator with a deep understanding of the university’s traditions, strengths and challenges.

Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Olapegba is widely respected for his contributions to psychological research, leadership development and public policy, making him one of the institution’s most accomplished scholars.

Expectations as a new chapter begins

Professor Olapegba will formally assume office on November 1, 2026, following the completion of the tenure of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor.

His appointment comes at a critical period for Nigerian universities, which continue to grapple with funding constraints, infrastructure deficits, the need for improved research output, digital transformation and increasing global competition.

Stakeholders are expected to look to the incoming Vice-Chancellor for policies that will strengthen academic excellence, deepen research collaboration, improve innovation and enhance the university’s international profile.

There are also expectations that he will consolidate ongoing reforms, improve staff welfare, expand partnerships with industry and attract greater investment into research and infrastructure.

Preserving UI’s legacy

Founded in 1948, the University of Ibadan has produced generations of distinguished scholars, political leaders, jurists, scientists and professionals who have shaped Nigeria and the wider African continent.

Its Vice-Chancellors have historically played pivotal roles in sustaining the institution’s reputation as a centre of excellence despite changing economic and educational realities.

With Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba preparing to take over the institution’s leadership, many within the university community see his emergence as the beginning of another important phase in UI’s history—one that offers an opportunity to consolidate its achievements while positioning the institution to meet the demands of twenty-first-century higher education.

As the countdown to November begins, expectations remain high that the incoming Vice-Chancellor will provide the leadership needed to preserve the University of Ibadan’s enviable legacy while charting a bold course for its future.